The Eagles Should Abuse the Giants Defense This Weekend

jciely 12:00 am, October 04th, 2013

Tough to get a lineup I love this week, but at least I like it a lot… not quite love, but that friend zone.

Let’s deal ‘em up!

(All prices via DraftKings)

Quarterback

Terrelle Pryor – Had to save some money here. I would have loved Michael Vick against the Giants, but QBs are pricey this week. All tolled, there are nine QBs at $8,000 or more. Pryor checks in at 7k, and he returns from a concussion to face one of the worst defenses in the league, the Chargers. This is a home divisional game, which means both teams will be amped up, and with Rashad Jennings likely starting for Darren McFadden, Pryor will have to do more for the Raiders to stand a chance. Pryor is averaging 17.9 PPG and is a good value as he averages more than four higher priced QBs.

Running Backs

LeSean McCoy & Darren Sproles – I couldn’t get Vick, but there is no way on Earth I wasn’t putting McCoy in my lineup. Even at $8,500, McCoy is a must-start against those Giants. McCoy already abuses the Giants in his history, and with how pitiful their defense is this year, it can only get better. At 22.2 PPG, McCoy is also the third highest scoring RB through four weeks. As for Sproles, patient owners – or those that took the gamble last week – were rewarded with a big game. That was the type of performance we can expect from Sproles more often than not. Given the PPR setup, Sproles ranks fifth at RB with 18.5 PPG, yet he’s tied as the 15th-most expensive RB. Doesn’t add up does it? What it does add to is Sproles being in your lineup this Sunday.

Wide Receivers

Josh Gordon & Hakeem Nicks – Gordon has been terrific since his return from a suspension. With Brian Hoyer looking much better than Brandon Weeden at QB, Gordon has been able to average 23.5 PPG. Whether due to the late start or not, Gordon is still underpriced at $6,300, and the Bills are rather weak against the pass. They are still missing players to injury and just can’t stop opposing WRs. (Obviously, if you didn't take Gordon as I did, you need another WR. Torrey Smith is a nice replacement, as is Julian Edelman IF Danny Amendola is out again... and only if he is). As for Nicks, this is a gut call. If there was ever a week for the man to wake up, show up, put up… you get the picture… this is it. The Eagles are one of the few defenses worse than the Giants versus the pass. In fact, they allow the most FPPG to receivers, and due to his struggles, Nicks’ price is just $5,300. It’s one of those situations where the price demands a selection.

Flex

DeMarco Murray, DAL – Back to Murray again. After all, how can you not like a RB averaging 19.9 PPG with just a $6,300 price tag? Maybe the price maker hates the Cowboys? I don’t get it. The Broncos defense is sorely missing Von Miller and has taken a step back from last season. However, even if it hadn’t, Murray would be a great play nonetheless given the number of opportunities he’ll have and with the Cowboys need to keep up (or try).

Tight End

Julius Thomas, DEN – While Thomas didn’t have another huge week, he is still one of the better options out there, and Peyton Manning is making defense look foolish. The Cowboys certainly don’t have the personnel to stop all of the receiving weapons for the Broncos, and that leads to Thomas being a decent upside pick. The other reason is that Thomas is just $4,500, while everyone priced higher is averaging less FPPG except for Jimmy Graham and Jordan Cameron. Antonio Gates would have been a nice pick too, but he’s 1k more, and we needed the cash at flex.

Kicker/Defense

Greg Zuerlein & Atlanta – Greg the Leg time! With distance bonuses, Big Z is normally a good play, even though he’s disappointed somewhat this year. Still, at $3,300 and with a home matchup against the miserable Jaguars, Zuerlein is a good value kicker. The same goes for the Falcons defense. They’re not your typical selection, but they get the turnover prone Jets at home… and they NEED a win. Look for them to take an early lead, which will only lead to more risk taking and potential turnovers for the Jets.